At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical development of footwear, ensuring quality and performance from concept to delivery.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest sustainable outerwear vendors with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for travel, and a chance to work with top brands.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the footwear industry while promoting sustainability and quality.
- Qualifications: Degree in Footwear Technology or related field; 3+ years in footwear development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
V&C Associates are partnering with one of the UK largest sustainable outerwear vendors to the international retailers and brands. Reporting to the Head of Footwear, the Footwear Technologist ensures timely delivery of footwear ranges that meet the brand’s technical, quality, and safety standards. Partnering with Design, Buying, and Suppliers, you’ll manage the full product lifecycle — from concept to gold seal — balancing commercial goals with exceptional fit, comfort, and performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end technical development, ensuring fit, function, and consistency across footwear styles.
- Create clear, accurate technical packs and fit comments, securing gold seal approvals on time.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks, maintaining testing and compliance standards (SATRA/ASTM/ISO).
- Collaborate with QA and overseas teams through factory audits, fittings, and process reviews.
- Support sourcing and technical decisions across lasts, materials, and sole suppliers.
- Conduct technical audits and drive process improvements to enhance quality and efficiency.
- Analyse product returns, lead corrective actions, and track improvements with factories.
- Ensure styles meet technical, ethical, and audit requirements to protect the critical path.
- Maintain a current specification library and benchmark fit and materials using market insights.
- Monitor competitor and trend developments to inform design, comfort, and construction upgrades.
- Coach and support technical team members, promoting continuous improvement and innovation.
- Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and collaboration across internal and external teams.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Footwear Technology, Design, Materials Science, or similar.
- 3+ years in footwear technical development and production, including offshore supplier management.
- Strong knowledge of footwear constructions, testing standards, and PLM/ERP systems.
- Proven track record in fit, gold seal delivery, and quality improvement.
Key Skills
- Expert in lasts, construction, pattern making, and materials.
- Analytical, organised, and commercially minded.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
- Proficient in MS Office and technical documentation.
- Regular overseas travel required.
- Commitment to quality, safety, and ethical sourcing.
A great fit for a hands-on technologist who combines technical precision with a commercial mindset to deliver exceptional footwear.
Technologist (footwear) in City of London employer: V&C
Contact Detail:
V&C Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technologist (footwear) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend footwear trade shows, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work in footwear technology. Include technical packs, fit comments, and any innovative projects you've led. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of testing standards and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled technical risks in past projects. Confidence in your expertise can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Technologist (footwear) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technologist role. Highlight your experience in footwear technical development and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about footwear technology and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your expertise in lasts, construction, and materials. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so be specific about your experience and achievements in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at V&C
✨Know Your Footwear Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of footwear constructions, materials, and testing standards. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but have a deep understanding of what makes great footwear.
✨Prepare Your Technical Packs
Before the interview, create a mock technical pack that showcases your ability to deliver clear and accurate information. This will demonstrate your skills in managing the product lifecycle and your attention to detail, which are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've identified and mitigated technical risks in past projects. Highlighting your analytical mindset and how you’ve driven process improvements will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use examples from your experience to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed stakeholder relationships and fostered a culture of quality and accountability.